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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key cutting price that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS key cutting places isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get a car key cut near me from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key cutting key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder emergency key cutting, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.